You're landing in the capital, so take your time landing. Manila is often overlooked, which is a shame. Spend a few days in creative Makati, enjoy cocktails at 12/10, brunch at Your Local, and take an organized tour.

One of the most well-known hostels in Manila is Hostel Z. Not surprising, as it's simply a very good and affordable place in a prime location. Hostel Z is fine, but if you want something a little better than "fine," not a 400-room hotel but a small and friendly place, look no further. Then book The Henry Hotel. 

And while the city has much to offer, it's good to be aware of your surroundings. Manila has a reputation for safety, but don't let that deter you. As in any major city, use your common sense. Stay in safe, well-regarded neighborhoods like Makati or BGC (Bonifacio Global City), take a Grab (the local Uber) rather than a taxi off the street, and leave your valuables at your hotel.

Check out all our tips for Manila

While it's possible to take a fast boat from Coron to El Nido (or vice versa), the most fun option remains the famous boat trip from Coron to El Nido! Chances are you'll never experience such delicious food on a boat again, or find such an idyllic place to sleep. never see more of these beautiful sunrises and sunsets, and you're guaranteed that these are the whitest beaches with the bluest water you've ever seen.

You can choose from the four-day, three-night Coron to El Nido (or vice versa) expedition (highly recommended!) or the three-day, two-night Coron Island Life expedition (if you have less time). There are also numerous other options.

The popularity of the experience is growing, and with it the number of providers. If you can't see the forest for the trees, Team Big Dream Boatman was still there the winning team. Read why here.

Next stop! From El Nido to Cebu, you can take a minivan to Puerto Princesa (you'll need to book this with your hotel), and from Puerto Princesa, you can continue on to Cebu by air (which you'll need to book online in advance). The drive from El Nido to Puerto Princesa is 270 km and takes approximately 5 to 6 hours. The flight from Puerto Princesa to Cebu takes 1 hour and 20 minutes, and tickets start at just €20.

Ok, that was the practical part! Well hello Cebu – adventure par excellence. Nature lovers can go wild at Aguinid Falls and climb, clamber, and jump during a canyoning tour. The underwater world is also a treat: off the southwest coast, near the village of Moalboal, you can snorkel or dive among thousands of sardines. Moalboal itself is the place to be – one of the most charming places on the island. You'll find numerous great restaurants (tip: try local Visayan dishes like sinuglaw or grilled pusit). Must-sees: Kugita Seafood & Charcoal Grill, Smooth Café, and Venz Kitchen.

You can recover well in a good hotel and at Fox & The Firefly Cottages.

We fell in love with the Philippines, and that's how we fell head over heels for Bohol. You can reach Bohol from Cebu: by boat in about 2,5 hours or by flying from Manila with Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, or Zest Airways. Another golden tip: book in advance!

Less well-known than Siargao and a completely different landscape than Palawan. Rent a scooter and explore Bohol – you'll be busy for a few days before you know it. Gaze at the famous Chocolate Hills, rice paddies, the white Alona Beach, and Bohol Tarsier Sanctuary (the animals pictured here). Not a scooter fan? We get it. But then you can just book a tour. It doesn't cost a dime either. 

And then of course you want to know where you can have a nice nap, there are plenty of options. Fox & The Firefly Cottages is the jungle dream. Moana Dive Resort is the place to be if you want to dive.

Let's go back, a little flashback: when the Philippines were booked, we pushed Siargao through to most people. Full throttle. We can't say there was much—or any—resistance, but it did cost a few euros and time traveling. So, thank you, dear people. And: think before you leap. The route: from Siquijor by vTake a ferry to Dumaguete, then a bus and ferry to Cebu, or fly to Cebu via Dumaguete. Fly from Cebu to Siargao (direct flight, approx. 1,5 hours). But: it was more than worth the trip!

siargao It's sometimes called the Bali of 20 years ago. And we bet that hip Bali 20 years ago was much less touristy and hectic. More charming. Nothing against tourists—we are—but we prefer not to encounter fellow tourists in large numbers when we're on vacation. Lame? Yes. But it's true. Rent a scooter and you can drive around the island in about five hours. Siargao is known as surfers paradise. We couldn't dive, and we couldn't surf either, and that's okay, because we love the relaxed surfer vibe. Where there are surfers, there are chill spots (and, let's face it: nine times out of ten, surfers are visually appealing). Nothing but winners.

P.S. You can also fly directly from Manila to Siargao and vice versa. In that case, you'll arrive at Siargao's tiny airport, and there will be taxi vans waiting to give you a ride to General Luna – the main village (not a town, remember, because it's tiny), where you can rent a scooter right away. 

At least Siargao deserved its own guide, voilà.